WINNIPEG - JANUARY 03, 2005 - The Major Snowfall Parking Ban has been lifted effective 06:01 a.m. this morning. The ban, implemented on midnight January 1, had prohibited parking on all Snow Routes between midnight and 06:00 a.m. Vehicles parked on Snow Routes during the prohibited times were subject to being ticketed and towed at the owners expense.

Plowing of Priority I (Regional) and Priority II (Collector) Streets is in the final stages with completion expected early this evening.

Major plowing of Priority III (Residential) Streets will commence this evening and with the heavy accumulations of snow is expected to continue until the weekend.

The Residential Overnight Parking Ban will be in effect beginning midnight tonight and continue until lifted by the Director of Public Works. This ban prohibits parking between midnight and 06:00 a.m. on all streets not signed as Snow Routes.

Plowing of back lanes is progressing well with completion expected around 6:00 p.m. this evening.

“Sidewalk plowing is underway but progress will be somewhat slower than normal,” says Bruce McPhail, manager of streets maintenance. “ With the very heavy accumulations of snow, most walks will have to be cleared with tractor-mounted snow blowers as opposed to faster-moving plows.” Mcphail says walk plowing will continue into next week.

McPhail says the heavy snowfall means large snow banks and high piles at intersections. Crews have begun snow-hauling operations, which will continue for several weeks. He urges motorists to be cautious when driving around the high piles and watch for pedestrians, particularly children.

Approximately 300 pieces of equipment are involved in the cleanup estimated to cost over $3 million.